While there is a significant growth in the study abroad trend in India, the safety of Indian students especially in US universities has become a major concern, as several Indian students have been killed across different cities in the US and Europe in the last few months, according to multiple media reports. Universities have now taken up various initiatives to ensure the safety of students on campus.
Lehigh University in Pennsylvania US, is one such university that claims to have multiple initiatives running to ensure safety of students, such as the HawkWatch app, a tool to report complaints, in partnership with campus police and various cultural organisations to seek immediate help in any emergency. It also has a diverse student body with a significant Indian community to help create a supportive atmosphere and provide necessary consultation and counselling whenever needed. Speaking to Financialexpress.com, Cheryl Matherly, Vice President and Vice Provost for International Affairs, Lehigh University, said: “Lehigh University is located in a relatively safe community, and we are committed to ensuring that our international students feel secure.”
Matherly noted that while there is a need to address safety and inclusivity issues, promoting communal harmony is the need of the hour to maintain an environment where students feel they belong and are respected.
In addition to keeping safety as a top priority, the university offers a range of graduate and postgraduate programmes in fields including Art, Design studies, Computer sciences, Engineering and language studies among others. It is one of the few universities that claims to provide multiple scholarships to the needy and talented students.
“In addition to need-based aid, we have also increased our merit scholarships. Six years ago, about 2% of admitted students received merit scholarships. In recent years, this number has risen to between 25% and 30%, with significant scholarships ranging from $15,000 per year to full tuition,” Dan Warner, vice provost, Admissions and Financial Aid, Lehigh University, said.
As per the university, the total cost for tuition, including living expenses and room and board, is around $89,000 USD for the majority of its courses. University officials mentioned that the students who are in need and meritorious students can claim these scholarships through applications. As of now Lehigh University is home to 7,590 students, with 5,811 enrolled at the undergraduate level and 1,779 at the graduate level. Among these students, there are 578 international students at graduate level, 425 at undergraduate level, 329 on Optional Practical Training (OPT), and 160 scholars from 82 different countries.
Sometimes, this could also have adverse consequences, with Lehigh University being defrauded a few months ago, where a Reddit post by an Indian student unravelled an elaborate fraud by the student to claim a full tuition scholarship at Lehigh.
As multiple reports indicate a challenging global job market with decreasing work opportunities due to various factors such as advancements in AI and global conflicts, the university said that it has a placement rate of 90%, which it manages through its industry academia partnerships and an alumni network.
“For the undergraduate Class of 2023, 95.4% were either employed, continuing their education, or engaged in volunteer service within six months of graduation. International students fared even better, with 98% of them securing employment or pursuing further studies in the same timeframe. For graduate students, 86% of the Class of 2023 achieved similar outcomes,” Warner said.
The university further claimed that in terms of starting salaries, the average compensation for Graduate-level students is $94,000, while undergraduates earn an average of $76,000. “We also have strong alumni networks that support current students. For instance, our Wall Street Council helps finance students with career workshops and networking events,” Matherly added.
Additionally, the university said that among its international student population, China is the largest source, followed by India, Vietnam, Ghana, and Brazil for undergraduates, and China, India, and Iran for graduate students.